68RFE - Teardown (Dodge Cummins Transmission)

See what's involved with disassembling the 68RFE.
Witness the basic teardown techniques, along with some pro tips & tricks.
Vehicle Fitment:
2007 - 2021 Dodge Ram 2500
2007 - 2021 Dodge Ram 3500
Help This Channel Grow:
Coming Soon!
RESOURCES:
1) Apparel:
Eyes: amzn.to/2JguhZN
Ears: amzn.to/3uuVyOr amzn.to/3P7AerI
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Hands:
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Feet: amzn.to/2GD9eP7
Work Shirt: amzn.to/3HhDdMf
Work Pants: amzn.to/3Pfe8nq
3) 68RFE Repair Manuals: 📕
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4) 68RFE Tools: 🔧
230-Piece Tool Set: amzn.to/2L0AtWv
Pump Puller: amzn.to/2VmhXgZ
3-Ton Arbor Press (12 inch working height): amzn.to/2Reqmyx
Lip Seal Installer: amzn.to/2Gz4KI5
Lip Seal Installer (Huge Time/Headache Saver): amzn.to/2MxUC8O
68RFE Input Drum Piston Installer Guides: amzn.to/3iz7mwR
Universal Clutch Spring Compressor (Use in trans & drums): amzn.to/2YHQGn6
Adjustable Clutch Spring Compressor (Use with shop press): amzn.to/2W2DAQs
Universal Bushing Driver Kit (Larger Sizes): amzn.to/2M1aQHn
Universal Bushing Driver Kit (Smaller Sizes): amzn.to/2Et1ON3
Snap Ring Pliers (Clutch Spring Compressor Snap Ring): amzn.to/2GwwixP
Snap Ring Plier Set (Pump Circlip Snap Rings): amzn.to/2IUxpdu
Feeler Blades (Straight): amzn.to/3uwQTvi
Feeler Blades (Offset): amzn.to/3Y3ehy1
Pick Set: amzn.to/3F9ezL7
Pocket Screwdriver: amzn.to/3FfsCiC
5) 68RFE Parts: 🔩
Overhaul Kit (Includes Bushing Kit, Bearing Kit, etc): amzn.to/3H3Ptj4
Valve-Body Kit: amzn.to/3iBHkZL
Low Sprag/Roller: ebay.us/oP9wr7
Pump Gears: ebay.us/FEPiLT
Pump Cover Plate: ebay.us/JL4Tk4
Bushings:
Kit: amzn.to/3ZLQAvl
Upgraded Kit: ebay.us/flWNso
Bearing Kit: ebay.us/yrRNv2
Washer Kit (End-Play): ebay.us/UKwQ2Y
Electrical:
Solenoid Block: amzn.to/3Zwy7CL ebay.us/vWKKOm
Pressure Transducer Sensor: ebay.us/LujxT3
Speed Sensors: ebay.us/Ls2OGk
Filter Kit:
Deep Pan: amzn.to/3XaTAiV
6) Shop Supplies: ✏️
Transmission Assembly Gel: amzn.to/2WrN7nT
Thread Locker: amzn.to/2YLtmFk
Brake Parts Cleaner: amzn.to/2HxQ1Pz
Automatic Transmission Fluid (Mopar): amzn.to/3W8rvYi
DISCLOSURE: 🕵
Links provided are affiliated links with the associated websites. While there is no extra cost to the purchaser, a small portion of the sale goes to support this KZbin channel.

[@aaronolsen8787]

Excellent tear down video! Best I've seen! I would appreciate a build video on a 68rfe. Built to the best you can make it.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Right on! The positive feedback is appreciated. Input received. Thanks for dropping us a line!

[@falconfixer71]

I second that build video request. Just found this channel two days ago, love it. Great work guys. Keep ‘em coming!

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Welcome aboard!

[@The_workshop11]

Yes new subscriber here please a build video

[@robmedinatransmissiondiagn2286]

Yes please, a build video will be epic!

[@robertlandry8693]

THE best teardown video on the web.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Dang! Much appreciated! Thanks for dropping us a line.

[@bradsullivan870]

I agree that it is the best teardown video. I would love to see a 68RFE build.

[@md9897]

Amazingly well done video! I’d love to see a 68RFE build video, either using stock or upgraded components!

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Input received.

[@brandtclark-truthbasedhors9110]

I could listen to this gentleman all day.

[@andersonleites]

Congratulations on the video and thanks for sharing, I'm learning here in Brazil

[@a.h.s.1441]

Great instructional video! Would love to see a 68RFE build video. Thank you.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Noted. Thank you for your input. The positive feedback is appreciated. Thanks for dropping us a line.

[@SaranIOS]

Working as a CAE ENGINEER in Transmission team and Watching this video is so helpful ❤ Thanks man ❤

[@austinp8308]

Do a build video, so us guys at home could possibly rebuild our 68rfe ourselves and save us some money

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Input received. Thank you.

[@austinp8308]

I doubt they will even THINK about doing a complete Step By Step Rebuild video, they may have “Thought” about it but haven’t yet, if they did I can’t find it, so I highly doubt they ever will do a step by step rebuild, that’s a chance they could lose money in the future cause of guys like me, if they made a Real Detailed Step by Step Tear down and step by step rebuild video then guys like me would use the videos to rebuild our own.. now would that actually cause them to lose money if we watched there videos and did it ourself, probably not because there’s a Very, Very, VERY small amount of guys, if any guys in there area that would risk doing it themselves.. theres even a Very small amount of guys anywhere around that would risk doing it themselves, even with step by step tear down video and rebuild video

[@repomannv]

Outstanding disassembly video and description of the process. I know where I'll be sending my 68rfe for its next rebuild.

[@KatsTreeService]

Great video 👍 Much better that most other 68 rebuild videos out there! I would definitely be interested in a reassembly video as well 🙏

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Appreciate the positive feedback! Thank you for your input on a reassembly video.

[@johnmason4658]

Really love the quality and time put to show each step. Really hope youll consider doing a reassembly and even a build video detailing the stronger components.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Your positive feedback is appreciated. Thanks for your input on the build series, for this trans.

[@HayMap]

Nice video! Great job, thoroughly explained

[@jasoncox3402]

Please please put together a video of the upgrades needed to make it a solid transmission

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Input received. Thank you.

[@kylehayes7944]

Outstanding video, well made and concise. Now, a good rebuild video to compliment this one.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Your positive feedback is appreciated. Thanks for your input on a build video.

[@kanaletumlinson]

Great video! Thanks for sharing, if only I had enough knowledge to tear down my own 68rfe 😂

[@austinp8308]

Don’t need knowledge, this video right here (if I am remembering correctly shows you step by step tear down” you’ll need a step by step rebuild video

[@docoolstuff8732]

Sweet video I have 68rfe. I like learning my Rebuild was $4500. Updated valve body and heavy clutches. Check out precision transmission that guy does Awsome work too.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Right on.

[@ricardoandrade9172]

Great video Robert, more importantly it is very educational. Big note for DIYers is on the input drum, even though clutches are one sided, they still alternate between internal and external splines to fit into clutch drum and clutch hub. I'm a big fan of your channel.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Really appreciate your comment, Ricardo. Thanks for being here.

[@brandtclark-truthbasedhors9110]

I subscribed today! Love this video. A 68 build video would be awesome

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Thank you for your input. Appreciate the support!

[@tomduncan1970]

Outstanding Video!!! I am looking forward to watching the Inspection video and hopefully one on the reassembly. Thank you so much for such a detailed video!

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Really appreciate your comment. Thank you. -Robert

[@gr-pd7tp]

Fantastic teardown video.

[@LeeWilliams-n6n]

Awesome video! Now just need a video on building it! ASAP.

[@grantgalloway1979]

Same, videos are very well done. Would appreciate video with your input on how to make a 69rfe handle the demands of the diesel without compromising shift quality(daily drivers). But creating longevity as well. Thanks!!!!

[@bcrawford9072]

What's the best gear to tow a 40 ft 5th wheel.

[@crashedking1931]

Im all clutched out You enforced that in my mind that I will never attempt to do this rebuild. I lost trac of the order of things. This with no experience could be tragic. Nice video really well done.

[@johnd7123]

Excellent instructional video. Im doing my first 68rfe today and this definitely helped...👍

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Great to hear!

[@chitsanal-mj8ov]

What a good rebuild that will make this Tran good for towing and all around and not searching for fourth and fifth gear?

[@diegogomez3555]

Excellent video. Can you on the next video touch on what each clutch pack is for for the young guys that never seen a tear down. Thank you

[@TheMultiStream]

Is the od pressure switch on the housing or inside the transmission?

[@MrRepairmanjack]

Great content guys.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Thank you.

[@HappyH0use]

Should you replace the one way clutch every time , or can it be inspected ?

[@oscartovar1131]

What an amazing video you guys put out, Best 68RFE tear down video on YT by farrrr! Keep up the good work and please, Please make a build video soon!

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Right on! Input received. Thank you.

[@ontheroadwithpastoranthony3161]

I just had mine rebuilt. The input shaft broke and the case. Im having trouble with the torque converter locking up. The shop that rebuilt my transmission pulled the pan yesterday and said they couldn't find anything wrong. The only time it acts up is when I go to pull a camper. I scanned it while it was running and I'm getting random codes. Could the problem be with the wiring harness for the transmission or the sensors in the transmission

[@lacysrhr]

Excellent video. Definitely want to see a rebuild video.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Noted.

[@hugoramirez928]

Real good video ,sir. We do the egr and dpf delete on my 3500 6,7 dodge.and just has transs problems..what kind upgrade on transmission you recomend after the ,deleted?

[@willis690]

I just subscribed. Please do a 68rfe build video.

[@Theultrazombiekiller]

These transmisissions have an average life span of 140 - 190k miles acording to the data. I have one with 162k and its starting to shift hard and bounce around between gears when pulling. Is a rebuild better or is it better to juat put a brand new, improved transmission in it?

[@greglandgren3968]

Yes a build video would be great

[@danielguerra626]

My man, you finally came thru with a 68rfe video

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

A few months ago, I picked up a later-model 4L60E core, for some upcoming videos. And while buying that core, the seller was like, "BTW I got this other trans, over here. Are you interested?" Every now and then even a blind squirrel finds a nut.

[@claybradley3442]

Where do i start when i lost all drive gears. Have reverse and park. Stopped a red light and when it turned green i had nothing lol. Fluid was full wasnt burnt at all. Just happened randomly. Its a ATS stage 3 with co-pilot 2 years old. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[@revgordon91]

That's incredible! Way to go! Great video!

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Appreciate your comment.

[@DurtyjerseyDurtyjersey]

We need a rebuild video!! 🙏

[@jerrykurl69]

Excellent video, thank you. I’ll be doing this tomorrow on a 21’ Ram 3500. No Reverse, snap ring in the 2C clutch comes loose. P2701 is the only code, come on immediately when shifting into reverse. Did you have any clutch volume numbers checked out before removing this trans?

[@jeremiesparrer5650]

Great video! Would love to see the build video

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Your feedback is appreciated. Noted.

[@frankvottiero8704]

Quick question how do you tell the difference between a 545 and a 68 RFE

[@austinp8308]

Please, please, PLEASE do a complete detailed Step By Step rebuild video for us mechanically inclined guys at home so we can rebuild our own without going into debt having a shop do it

[@arowanachen]

Thanks for all the info, thinking I am capable to rebuild my 68rfe in the future, thumbs up!

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

You're very welcome. Right on! Thanks for dropping us a line. If it's possible for me to build a transmission, then I believe it's possible for anyone. - PS - 1 Handed Automatic Transmission Builder kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2S5mquXlKqWZ6c

[@Tahoebronco]

Did you do a rebuild video yet? I'm a new subscriber and just found this video. I hope there is a follow up rebuild vid.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

No rebuild videos, at this point in time. Thanks for the support.

[@evaldosilva9508]

Awesome video man! I from Brazil

[@sshihada1]

Nice video ! Thanks

[@EddieBaker-uc7ns]

Thanks for the info, great job. Hope you guys do the resembly video.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

The positive feedback is appreciated. Thank you.

[@ron6575]

Great video

[@richardj163]

Every revision of this transmission, imagine how many customers had to deal with their dealer where the dealer had to collect specific information to which the engineers could use to revise the design. Each revision probably millions of dollars in behind the scenes work, from shop time, to mechanics labour, to lawsuits… lemon laws, etc. The road to a revised transmission is paved with a lot of pissed off customers fighting for warranty.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

No doubt.

[@brandonhall5494]

this guy rocks loved the video

[@maxgarcia7056]

I have a 2021 2500 Dodge 4x4 Big Horn with a 68RFE. My transmission just broke down for the second time. 1st time was The High Pressure Line Sensor. This time was the clutch and pump need replacement. It’s under warranty with only 9725 miles on it. I’m really having a hard time understanding why this is happening to a brand new truck? What should I be asking the dealership as they are fixing this. I haul a fifth wheel trailer and I am very worried this could happen again. Your suggestions please?

[@docoolstuff8732]

I have a 2008 68rfe mine blew at 130,000. The pump blew because the line pressure wasn’t enough to keep it lubed up. There is tons you can beef up on these. Valve body keeps line pressure. Gotta update that. This guy is good check out precision transmission on you tube I think he built a 68rfe. Good luck. Mine was $4500. I think one too many burn outs.

[@extinguisher5552]

My 2023 3500 4x4 68rfe is getting replaced due to metal in oil pan. It has 1,900 miles.

[@DynoDieselWagon]

Easy peazy

[@aaaron19]

Please do a build video!

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Thank you for your input.

[@ontheroadwithpastoranthony3161]

I learned a lot thanks

[@Johnwick-yo6hk]

Thank you for this video

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

You bet.

[@alexcashman1559]

The fart @5 min was the most relatable part of

[@kenchaffin4946]

Rockstar's looking forward for more information.

[@abmtz8537]

Do a G56 manual transmission tear down.

[@danielguerra626]

I'm interested in a rebuild

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Thanks for your input.

[@jeannebowers8856]

Awesome, keep on trucking!

[@johnstark3058]

Thanks for the video, you make it seem not as intimidating, great job!

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Right on! We're on a mission to get more people involved with automatic transmissions. The positive feedback is appreciated. Thanks for dropping us a line.

[@johnstark3058]

@@SouthpawAutoworks that is very cool that you guys are doing this, ive built a couple motors in my life time, but have always been terrified of tackling a Transmision because of the complexity and sheer quantity of parts inside, but i may give it a go because i recently bought a used 2014 ram 2500 to tow my tractor, i got a decent deal on it and it was tunned and deleted, normally i wouldn't mess with that kind of thing, but it runs so well, at least it did until 2 weeks ago, .... torque converter quit locking up, dropped pan and serviced it, tons of clutch material....Iam so glad i bought an extended warranty, it looks like they are going to cover it, but they will only approve stock parts to go back in, i have since put the TCM tunning back to stock, at least for now, my thoughts are to try and get my hands on a good usable core and build one, and beef it up a bit , and i would have a spare, i don't plan on owning another truck so i gotta figure these issues out, between you guys and some others online ,i feel i can avoid some of the major pitfalls and mistakes when building the 68rfe, thanks again for the help..... John NC

[@ralphblanda661]

Tyson for an easy Win .

[@rebelchild1839]

Bob ross of transmissions

[@rhodes70]

Excellent content!

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Much appreciated! Thanks for dropping us a line.

[@briantruslow8805]

The Torque converter looked to me to be extremely hot at some point

[@jskpropertyservices3473]

Definitly interested in an inspection and rebuild videos. Does using all the screwdrivers Marr any critical components. I ask because I used to build gas turbine engine and remarkable some of this internals resembale a PT6 engine. Lol Awesome video

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Pratt and Whitney...nice! To answer your question, no, they do not. Your input is appreciated. Thanks for dropping us a line.

[@travisyounker5315]

Can I remove the output shaft and replace it without tearing the whole transmission apart

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

The trans has to be torn apart in order to swap the output shaft.

[@travisyounker5315]

@@SouthpawAutoworks will babe have to do a transmission relearn after I put an overhaul kit in, and In the transfer case the outer synchro ring broke the 3 tabs off, would that cause any of my no gear failures

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

If the trans was slipping, then a relearn will be needed. If the damage caused the T-Case to shift into Neutral, then it would result in no forward, or backward, movement. Mimicking a transmission with no gears...

[@travisyounker5315]

@@SouthpawAutoworks okay thank you one last question should I rebuild my transfer case put that back in and see if the truck drives before overhauling the 68rfe the transfer case is pretty new was installed in 2019

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

It sounds like the T-case needs to be repaired either way. That order of operations seems reasonable.

[@Onelove_011]

One time I hit an island in a parking lot and lost transmission pressure due to this filter shifting out of place.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

No way. Glad you were able to get to the bottom of it.

[@randomgooglename]

I thought the bottom 2 guys in the thumbnail was jesse and heisenberg from breaking bad 😂

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Need to add a little picture of a motorhome. That'll really sell it!

[@randomgooglename]

@@SouthpawAutoworks if you do a tranny on a motorhome you better do it. 😂

[@TXARMYVET89]

Could one with basic mechanical knowledge use this as an instruction guide to rebuild a 68rfe?

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

If we get enough interest, we will do a complete build series on this transmission. Here's the latest build series that we're working our way through. TH400 Build Series: kzbin.info/aero/PLMK9OC5NGhbgVgAwDO_rCGFF38T1LjkS7 As you'll see, there's one (1) video dedicated to the teardown/disassembly, and yet multiple videos dedicated to the reassembly. For the meantime, here's a repair manual: amzn.to/3kfNX4h DISCLOSURE: 🕵 Links provided are affiliated links with the associated websites. While there is no extra cost to the purchaser, a small portion of the sale goes to support this KZbin channel.

[@JaGGeR-]

Why is there no drain plug? 😂

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

That would be too easy.

[@jasonfoster2909]

Is that an autopsy table? lol